Sony VAIO P
The basics
Sony says the Sony Vaio P isn't a netbook, but squat and wide form factor aside, specs-wise it's one of the little laptops through and through. You've got an 8-inch screen, Atom 1.33 GHz processor, 1 or 2GB of RAM and the option of a 60GB HDD or even 128GB SSD. You'll find Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on board too, naturally.
The good
Sony's right that the Sony Vaio P isn't a netbook in one sense: it's got a unique oblong shell which will fold up and slot into almost any pocket. Despite that, it's still got a large chiclet keyboard that's ace for dashing out even long documents, and a super sharp 1600x768 resolution screen that's unheard of in any Eee PC or MSI Wind - make no mistake, the Sony Vaio P is the most stylish looking sub-notebook yet. The nicest touch though? An instant-on feature that lets you play music and video without the paint drying wait for Windows to load.
The bad
Sony's so keen to prove the Sony Vaio P isn't a netbook, it's force fed it Windows Vista, a mind bending error. Until you get round to treating it with a bit of Windows XP or 7, it's liable to burn you with hangs and repeated freezes. That fashionable flair comes at a cost meanwhile: a magnifying glass will solve any problems with viewing the screen, but the nipple instead of a trackpad makes all but the lightest net browsing a pain without a wireless mouse. Oh, and the cost? The Sony Vaio P starts from £700. £700?!
The bottom line
It's good to see Sony fronting with a different style of ultra portable PC in an overcrowded market. It'll run just as well as any with a bit of fine tuning, but whether you can cope with screen size and lack of a trackpad is as personal a choice as to whether eat Marmite or not. That, and the usual Sony tax applies. Why so much? Definitely a try before you buy.
User comments (7)
Leave a comment
Robert Gregson06 October 2009
Sadly, you price comparisons ("Top bargains" and "Best offers for ...") are flawed. On this page: http://fwd.five.tv/gadgets/computing/laptops/sony-vaio-p, the best offer for the Sony Vaio P appears to be an incredible £127 at Amazon marketplace. The offer is in fact for a battery, not a laptop!
Report as inappropriatederek mitchell28 October 2009
This little feature packed micro laptop is now only £349.99 !!! Now its worth thinking about....... The Sony Centres are flogging it off for £499.99 and Sony are offering cashback of £150.00 until 30th November 2009..... Go on treat yourself
Report as inappropriateoptom_jon02 November 2009
I've owned this for 4 months, with windows vista. But, after installing windows 7: WoW ! what a difference. Xp continuely hanged and caused me endless suffering. Also, couldn't play any videos reliably. If you own one - GET windows 7, its worth it. Otherwise, neat little laptop and so lovely to look at . Plus its so light weight.
Report as inappropriateThis comment has been removed.
Bratzshrek27 February 2010
I like the way it works
Report as inappropriateKAZZZZZA14 April 2010
I've got it. but i honestly hate it! i can hardly read the text. i use it because i board and travel alot, but when i get home my proper laptop is like heaven. trust me, if you want a mini laptop that your going to use alot go for something with a bigger screen :)
Report as inappropriatePat08 May 2010
Is there software so that you can turn that tune in your mind to music notation and then add words ?
Report as inappropriateJoin Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment